Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror was deemed illegal because it was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula1. Though director F.W. Murnau and his team attempted to avoid legal trouble by altering names and plot details, the film’s resemblance to Stoker’s novel was undeniable2. This led to a lawsuit from Stoker’s widow, Florence, who ultimately succeeded in having all copies of the film ordered destroyed3.
This begs the question: how is it that Nosferatu survives to this day, inspiring filmmakers and terrifying audiences nearly a century later? The answer lies in a combination of legal loopholes, international distribution, and the film’s enduring power as a cinematic masterpiece.
The Unauthorized Adaptation
In the early 1920s, German Expressionist filmmaker F.W. Murnau was captivated by the story of Dracula2. One of the film’s producers, Albin Grau, even claimed that the inspiration for the film came from a chilling personal experience. During his time in the infantry in 1916, Grau allegedly heard a story from an old Romanian peasant about an undead villager who returned to haunt his family4. This eerie tale, combined with the growing popularity of vampire lore, sparked the idea for Nosferatu.
However, unable to secure the rights to Stoker’s novel, Murnau and his screenwriter Henrik Galeen made significant changes to the source material2. Count Dracula became the gaunt and terrifying Count Orlok, Jonathan Harker transformed into the hapless estate agent Thomas Hutter, and the familiar setting of Transylvania was, in part, replaced with the fictional city of Wisborg5. These alterations, while substantial, did little to disguise the film’s origins.
Florence Stoker Takes on the Vampire
The release of Nosferatu in 1922 did not go unnoticed by Florence Stoker, who was fiercely protective of her late husband’s legacy2. Recognizing the film’s clear adaptation of Dracula, she took legal action against Prana Film, the production company behind Nosferatu3. Florence Stoker’s legal team argued that Nosferatu blatantly copied the plot, characters, and themes of Dracula, constituting a clear case of copyright infringement6. The German courts agreed with her assessment.
Her claim of copyright infringement was successful, and in 1925, a German court ordered the destruction of all existing prints and negatives of the film3. This ruling was a significant victory for copyright law and a testament to Florence Stoker’s determination to protect her husband’s work.
Nosferatu’s Resurrection
Despite the court order and Florence Stoker’s efforts, Nosferatu survived due to a combination of factors. Copies of the film had already been distributed internationally, escaping the reach of German authorities7. Furthermore, a crucial copyright error in the United States meant that Dracula was in the public domain there, preventing any legal action to destroy copies circulating in America1.
Like the vampire at the heart of its story, Nosferatu proved difficult to kill. The very attempts to erase it seemed to fuel its mystique, adding another layer to the film’s already potent themes of darkness, obsession, and the uncanny. This “resurrection” from the brink of oblivion has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s enduring legacy.
From these surviving prints, Nosferatu slowly gained recognition as a masterpiece of horror cinema. Its influence on vampire lore and filmmaking is undeniable, with its iconic imagery and chilling atmosphere continuing to inspire filmmakers to this day1.
A Symphony of Shadows: Nosferatu and German Expressionism
Nosferatu is not only a landmark horror film but also a prime example of German Expressionism, a significant artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century2. This movement, born from the social and political turmoil of post-war Germany, sought to express subjective emotions and experiences through distorted forms, exaggerated visuals, and a heightened sense of atmosphere.
The film’s visual style perfectly embodies the key elements of German Expressionism. Murnau and cinematographer Fritz Arno Wagner masterfully utilize light and shadow to create a world of stark contrasts and unsettling imagery3. Sets are often deliberately artificial and distorted, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil and the film’s overall sense of unease. The characters themselves are often exaggerated and grotesque, with Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok as a prime example. His gaunt figure, pointed ears, and elongated fingers embody the monstrous and the otherworldly, tapping into deep-seated fears and anxieties.
Thematically, Nosferatu also aligns with German Expressionist concerns. The film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fragility of human existence in the face of overwhelming forces. The plague that ravages Wisborg can be seen as a metaphor for the social and psychological decay that plagued Germany in the aftermath of World War I.
The Enduring Legacy of Nosferatu
Nosferatu‘s survival is a testament to its artistic merit and cultural impact. The film’s striking visuals, haunting atmosphere, and Max Schreck’s unforgettable portrayal of Count Orlok have cemented its place in cinematic history2. Its influence extends beyond the horror genre, impacting filmmaking as a whole and shaping the way vampires are depicted in popular culture.
The film’s innovative use of cinematic techniques, such as its groundbreaking use of location shooting, contributed to its realism and unsettling atmosphere3. This was unusual for the time, as most films were shot on studio sets. By filming on location in Wisborg, the Carpathian Mountains, and other real-world settings, Murnau brought a sense of authenticity and immediacy to the story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Key Scenes and Cinematic Techniques
Nosferatu was a groundbreaking film in its use of cinematic techniques. Murnau employed innovative camera angles, special effects, and location shooting to create a truly unsettling and immersive experience for the audience3. Some of the most memorable scenes include:
- The Shadow on the Stairs: This iconic scene, where Orlok’s shadow creeps up the staircase towards Hutter, is a masterclass in suspense and visual storytelling8. The use of shadows and light creates a sense of dread and foreshadows the impending horror9. The elongated fingers of the shadow, reaching out like claws, emphasize the creature’s monstrous nature and heighten the sense of vulnerability.
“Nosferatu. Does this word not sound like the midnight call of the Bird of Death? Do not utter it, or the images of life will fade – into pale shadows and ghostly dreams will rise from your heart and feed your Blood.” 10
This intertitle, appearing just before the shadow scene, sets the tone for the film, establishing the vampire as a figure of dread and foreshadowing the darkness that is to come.
- The Arrival of the Coffin: The scene where Orlok’s coffin arrives in Wisborg is filled with eerie atmosphere and foreshadowing. The use of slow-motion and unsettling imagery effectively builds tension and establishes the vampire’s malevolent presence3. The stark black coffin, carried through the deserted streets, becomes a symbol of death and contagion, foreshadowing the plague that will soon grip the city.
- Ellen’s Sacrifice: The climax of the film, where Ellen sacrifices herself to destroy Orlok, is both tragic and visually stunning3. This scene introduced the now-common trope of sunlight being fatal to vampires, a concept that was not explicitly present in Stoker’s original novel11. The use of light and shadow is again crucial here, with the rays of dawn piercing the darkness and ultimately vanquishing the creature.
Nosferatu‘s influence on subsequent vampire films is undeniable. The trope of sunlight as a fatal weakness for vampires, first introduced in this film, has become a staple of the genre11. The film’s expressionistic visuals and emphasis on atmosphere have also had a lasting impact, inspiring countless filmmakers to explore the dark side of human nature and the power of the uncanny.
Conclusion
Nosferatu‘s illegal origins are a fascinating chapter in film history. While initially suppressed due to copyright infringement, the film ultimately triumphed, becoming a celebrated classic that continues to inspire and terrify audiences today. Its influence on vampire lore, horror cinema, and cinematic techniques is undeniable, solidifying its place as a landmark achievement in film history.
The very attempt to erase Nosferatu seems to have paradoxically contributed to its mystique and long-term success. Like the vampire it depicts, the film managed to “resurrect” itself, evading destruction and achieving a kind of immortality. This resilience, combined with its artistic merit and cultural significance, ensures that Nosferatu will continue to haunt and captivate audiences for generations to come.
Works cited
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